Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-09-19
A Large Mass of People Gather in
independence Square
And Listen to Eloquent Addresses
by President Cleveland and
Judge Harlan.
Their Speeches Interspersed with
Vocal and Instrumental Music
OF a High Character.
PHILADELPHIA. Sent. IL.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. II.
This was the third and last day of the thirC
centennial celebration at the "Cradle of Lib.
erty" within the last IL years. 1t was ''Me
mortal day" Over one of the triumpha
arches which span Chestnut street are
displayed in bold letters the famous words Of
John Bright, 'All the civilized world, all
who love freedom in it. must regard the
event as one of the most important in the
annals of men," and this seems to be the pop.
ular sentiment more charming day would
be hard to imagine 1t was a typical Sept
ember day, clear, cool and bright, aud
inspired countless thousands who were up at
day break to contribute their share toward
making the closing day fitting finale TO the
centennial anniversary celebration of one of
the most important events in the annals of
history.
On the stand in Independence square to.
day there were represented every condition
of life which goes to make up nation.
The Pre- esident stood up in front of a dias
that had been erected in the west end of the
room. The room was tastefuly decorated
with The national coiors, surmounting fine
picture of the completed City Hall, that
formed back ground to the President and
his escort. which consist d of the two secre-
taries and Colonel b. h. Jamison, Thomas
NJ. Thompson, Charles II. Bahes, Lincoln
L, Eyre, Henry NJ Dcchert, William H.
Clapp, Perev Koa'iag ana Talcott Wili9ms.
The crowd had in the meantime been
formed into line. and the signal was given
tor the reception to begin. A stalwart old
man was the first To grasp the Presidents
hand and his torture then began. He said
last night tlat his hand and feet looked like a
flour barrel, and before he got through to-
day it must have born a striking resemblance
to a hogshead. 70 each person who saluted
him the President gave a brief handShake.
a pleasant smile and CHEEKY How do you
do, sir, or madam 2 rhe crowd passed
through at the rate of 80 minute. Some of
the visitors were anxious to stop and talk
with the President. and one handsomely
dressed lady of about 35 years threw her arm
around his neck and kissed him.
At 10 so sharp the presidential party left
the building and took carriages for Independ
ence square. The stand there, in the rear
of the old historical hall mad a seating cqpsc-
ity of about 10 600, and was filled early by
holders of tickets
AT the front of the stand, facing south, an
enclosure was rallied off for the President, his
parry the speakers and Others. Al The cas-
tern aide OF the structure sat the Marine
band when for half an nour before the ex-
famous organization can render. At 10 80
the gigantic chorus of 2000 children, with 200
men as leading voices sang patriotic air.
which brought them rounds of applause in
appreciation of their perfect drilling. One
of the first OF the distinguished guests to arrive
was venerable Hannibal Hamen. Soon
after he arrived, and while the band was
playing, came many of the most distinguished
citizens of the Republic, including exPresi
dent HAYES and wife and Justice Harlan, the
orator of the day.
AT lila, after the distinguished guests
had been pouring in so fast as to almost COM
pletely fill the stand, the appearance of the
President and his wife at the head of a double
column of distinguished visitors created a
perfect uproar of applause. As they came
down the center aisle toward their places in
front, the President leaned on the arm of
ex- Minister Kasson, and directly behind them
came Mrs. Cleveland, leaning on the arm of
Thomas NJ. Thompson, chairman of the
committee on reception of distinguished
guests. Next came Secretary Bayard, Dan.
lei Lamont and wife and Secretary Fairchild
After the President and Mrs. Cleveland
had reached the stand, general handshaklng
with those whom they recognized or were
recognized BY, took place, after which, in
response to the tumpltuous applause of the
multitude, they walked side by side to the
front railing of the structure aud bowed their
nowledgment of the compliments paid
thenl Ii seemed as though the cheering
would never die out. The earth trembled
almost as thousands of throats were
yelled hoarse.
Atll.25 after all had reached the stand,
Bishop Potter arose, and, being followed by
all those who occupied the reserved space,
with uncovered heads, made the opening
PRAYER, reading from manuscript. In the
great noise 1t was simply impossible for even
those near him to distinguish a word. just
after the bishop had concluded, Lieutenant
General Phil Sheridan, followed closely by
Cardinal Gibbons, Bishop Ryan, and mum
ber OF Catholic clergy, marched down the
aisle, cheered to the echo. When they had
been seated, Hon. John A. kasson, president
OF the constitutional centenary commission,
assumed his place, and after hymn had been
rendered bv the chorus, arose to make the
Introductory address.
Pres. Cleveland was the central figure,
and his appearance on the staLd was the sig
nal for such greeting as the President of
the United States deserves from the people.
Ills address on taking the chair will 90 into
history as one of tine leading features of the
national event. In pursuance of this duty be
said:
1 deem it very great honor and pleasure
to participate in these impressive Ceremonies
Every American citizen should on on this
centennial day rejoice in his citizenship.
He will not find the cause of his rejoicing in
the antiquity of his country-tor among the
nations Of the earth this stands with the
Youngest. He will not find it in the glitter
and pomp that bedeck monarch and dazzle
abject and servile subjects,
for in this country the people themselves
are rulers. He will not find il in the story
of bloody foreign conquests, for his govern
ment has been content to care for its own
domain and people. he should rejoice be-
cause the work Of framing our Constitution